Since the recent outbreak of monkeypox beyond the traditional range, more than 5,000 cases have now been recorded worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in Geneva on Tuesday that 5,322 infections have been confirmed in the laboratory.
About 85 percent of cases occurred in Europe. So far there are 37 proven cases in Austria (data as of July 1). It was only at the end of last week that the UN agency urged European countries to take action. Countries in the region should step up their efforts in the coming weeks and months to prevent monkeypox from “establishing itself in a wider geographic area.”
A less dangerous cousin of smallpox, which was eradicated about 40 years ago, is common in West and Central Africa. However, since May, monkey pox has also spread to other countries, especially in Western Europe. Cases have now been reported from 53 countries, the WHO said on Tuesday.
Typical symptoms of the disease include a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pustules similar to chickenpox. The disease is transmitted through close body and skin contact.
Confinement can last for weeks
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin assumes that the number of infections will continue to increase as monkeypox spreads in Germany. “It will be late summer or early fall before we see if the efforts to contain the outbreak have been successful,” RKI Vice President Lars Schaade told German newspapers.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
